Explore More with Windstar + SmartCruiser: Destinations, Luxury & Booking Benefits

There’s a magic to cruising small, boutique yachts: stepping off the ship into quieter harbors, discovering hidden beaches, waking up in ports where larger ships can’t even dock. Windstar Cruises offers that everyday—but with lavish comfort, strong food & service, beautifully curated itineraries, and immersive experiences. And when you pair Windstar with a cruise specialist agency like SmartCruiser, you don’t just book a cruise—you unlock more perks, more support, and more value.

Here’s a guide to some of the most compelling Windstar destinations plus why SmartCruiser is often your smartest way to book.

Some of Windstar’s Most Memorable Destinations

Windstar sails to over 330 ports worldwide, allowing guests to enjoy both popular bucket‐list spots and off‐the‐beaten‐path gems. Windstar Cruises Below are a few of the destinations that make Windstar stand out—places that combine scenic beauty, cultural richness, and often an experience that only a small‐ship luxury cruise can deliver.

Destination What Makes It Special with Windstar Best Time / Tips
Mediterranean (Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain etc.) Nearly half of Windstar’s itineraries touch the Mediterranean region. You’ll get short and extended sailings, frequent port visits (so less time at sea, more time exploring), and cultural diversity: markets, ancient ruins, hidden coves. Spring and fall offer ideal weather and fewer crowds. For quieter ports, choose itineraries that focus on smaller islands or lesser‐known towns.
Iceland & Northern Europe Dramatic landscapes—fjords, glaciers, volcanic features. Windstar’s “Around Iceland” Select Sailings let you circle the island in about 7 days. The scenery is unforgettable, and being on a small ship lets you linger where bigger ships can’t. Summer (June–August) to get more daylight and milder weather. If you’re adventurous, shoulder seasons can offer a different light, fewer people.
Tahiti & the South Pacific If you want lush tropical island paradises—think over‐water bungalows, coral reefs, tranquil lagoons—Windstar’s offerings in French Polynesia are hard to beat. Explore small islands, engage with local culture, unwind in romantic settings. Always check which ship is operating, especially if you care about amenities. If you want marine activity (snorkeling, water sports), check that your itinerary includes time in places where the ship anchors suitably.
Caribbean & Panama Canal / Costa Rica Warm seas, gorgeous beaches, lush tropical jungles. The Panama Canal transit is a feat in itself: a passage full of history. Windstar also includes bays for swimming, hidden coves, and beach days with signature beach parties. Winter months are peak; fall/early winter might give better rates. For Canal transits, daylight transits are more dramatic; plan accordingly.
Canary Islands & Atlantic Isles These destinations offer dramatic volcanic landscapes, greenery, often spring‐like climate year round. Think Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma etc. Culture, wine, scenery—all with fewer crowds than main Mediterranean hotspots. Off‐peak seasons (spring/fall) give nice weather with good value. Even within summer, choosing less‐trafficked islands gives a more secluded feel.
“Select Sailings” & Themed Voyages Windstar curates special itineraries (“Select Sailings”) with elevated experiences. For example, “Around Iceland: A Total Solar Eclipse,” “Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway,” “Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast,” etc. These are meant for travelers who want something more than standard itineraries. These often fill fast, since they are limited‐edition or seasonal. Book early. Also check what’s included (some are “all inclusive,” others are cruise‐only).

What Windstar Offers that’s Hard to Get Elsewhere

To appreciate why deciding where to cruise is only part of the choice—you should also know how you cruise matters.

  • Intimacy & access: Small ships mean fewer people. They access smaller ports that massive cruise liners cannot. That means more unique landfalls, more evenings in charming harbors, less time in large, crowded ports.
  • Water access & yachts’ marinas: Windstar ships open up rear marinas with complimentary gear—kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling, etc. If you love water play right off the ship, that’s a big plus. For example, in Tahiti the Star Breeze has a floating lounge / platform (Aquabana) for relaxing in the water.
  • Flexible itineraries: Many sailings are “port intensive,” with more shore time, sometimes overnight stays. You’ll see fewer repeated ports and more variety.
  • Cultural immersion & enrichment: Local cuisines, regional cultural events, expert guides. These sailings are made not just for seeing, but experiencing. Guides, destination lectures, culinary events, etc.

Why Booking Windstar via SmartCruiser.com Is Often the Best Move

Now, even a spectacular cruise loses some of its shine if the booking process is frustrating, if hidden fees pop up, or if you miss perks. SmartCruiser helps bridge that gap. Here are reasons why many travelers prefer booking via SmartCruiser rather than going directly or via less‐specialized sites.

Benefit What You Get with SmartCruiser
Discounted Rates & Unpublished Deals SmartCruiser offers both published fares and unpublished ones. Sometimes their network / buying volume yields rates that aren’t visible on the cruise line site until demand rises. Also, promotions (discounts, bonuses) often get passed on.
Added Perks & Upgrades It’s not just about price. SmartCruiser frequently bundles onboard credits, prepaid gratuities, hotel VIP perks (free upgrades, early check‐in/late check‐out, breakfast for two, etc.). These “extras” can make a big difference in your comfort and value.
One Stop Shopping & Support You get help navigating itineraries, cabins, excursions, schedule changes. If there are weather delays, changes, or issues, a good travel agency doesn’t just hand you a number—they advocate on your behalf. With smaller yacht cruises, logistics matter. Itinerary changes, port access, etc.—you want someone knowledgeable.
Trust & Credibility SmartCruiser has been around; they have credentials, positive reviews, experience. For travelers wary of surprise charges, dubious agents, or overpromised perks, using a reputed agency gives more peace of mind.
Value Adds for Land + Sea If your trip includes hotels before or after the cruise, flights, shore extensions, etc., SmartCruiser often negotiates or provides VIP hotel privileges (upgrades, credits, etc.), making the whole journey smoother.
Exclusive Access to Specials Whether it’s “Select Sailings” itineraries, special themed cruises, or limited‐time bonuses—SmartCruiser tends to be plugged into those. They often know when something is opening and can help you reserve before options vanish.

Putting It All Together: Sample Itineraries & How SmartCruiser Enhances Them

To illustrate, here are some sample itineraries & how booking through SmartCruiser could elevate the experience.

Itinerary 1: Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast (8 Days)

  • What you’ll see: Venice → coastal Croatia (Spalato, Dubrovnik etc.) → Montenegro → maybe a Greek isle stop. Beautiful port‐to‐port days, each stop with history, architecture, food. Windsurf, culture, seafood.
  • Windstar special perks: Small ship docking, evening stays in ports, intimate access to local spots.
  • SmartCruiser extras: Perhaps onboard credits to spend on wine or excursions; maybe a cabin upgrade if available; hotel stay before/after with VIP perks; help selecting the best sailing date to match weather/crowds; advice on what shore excursions are musts (often ones that are off‐line, less touristy).

Itinerary 2: Around Iceland – 7 Days

  • What you’ll see: Reykjavik, remote fishing villages, dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, maybe some geothermal features or Northern Lights (depending on season), glaciers.
  • Windstar special perks: Port intensive; chance to anchor in quieter harbors; fewer people means more serenity; spectacular natural scenery.
  • SmartCruiser extras: Ensuring you have the right season; helping with gear or packing advice; securing onboard credits or special excursions ahead of time; helping with flights or overland extensions (e.g. staying in Iceland pre‐ or post‐ cruise) to maximize the trip.

Potential Considerations & How to Navigate Them

For full transparency, every travel option, even luxury ones, has trade‐offs. But many of these can be managed—or even turned into strengths—if you know what to watch for.

  • Cost higher than mass market: Windstar is premium; smaller ships mean fewer economies of scale. But that’s partially offset via value: more scenery, fewer crowds, more meaningful port visits. Booking through SmartCruiser helps offset cost via perks, credits, upgrades.
  • Seasonality & weather: Destinations like Iceland, the South Pacific, Caribbean have ideal seasons and off seasons. Choosing the right date (sometimes shoulder season) can yield lower cost and still excellent weather. A specialist agency helps you pick the right time.
  • Limited space / early booking required: Small ships fill up; special sailings (“Select Sailings,” themed, etc.) go early. Booking ahead is important. SmartCruiser often previews special sailings so you can reserve early.
  • Shore excursions & local access: Some places are remote; timing, tender boats, docking matters. Having help in choosing the right ship (some have better facilities), choosing itineraries that align with your activity preferences, and knowing which excursions are “must do” vs. “optional extras” matters.

Why You Should Book Windstar Cruises Through SmartCruiser

If you’re thinking of sailing with Windstar, booking through SmartCruiser often gives you more for your money, less stress, and added luxury. Here are final points to drive that home:

  1. Enhanced Value – The base fare is just part of what you pay. With SmartCruiser, many of the hidden values (gratuities, onboard credits, hotel perks, upgrades) that you might miss out on booking direct are included or at least more attainable.
  2. Better Planning, More Confidence – From choosing the perfect cabin, to knowing which itinerary best matches your interests (nature, beach time, culture, food), to arrangements for flights or hotels, a good agency supports you. If anything goes sideways—weather, cancellations, delays—they’re your backup.
  3. Access to Special & Unique Offerings – Whether it’s themed or adventure cruises, rare port calls, special “Select Sailings,” VIP amenities, these are often limited and booked early. SmartCruiser often have “insider” access or alerts.
  4. Personalized Service – For many travelers, the difference between “a nice cruise” and “an unforgettable trip” is in the details: what your itinerary allows you to see/do, what cabin you pick (view, layout), the timing of flights so you don’t miss the ship, local excursions that match your energy. SmartCruiser’s specialists help with all those.
  5. Peace of Mind – When you’re investing in a premium, once‐in‐a‐lifetime or bucket‐list voyage, you want everything handled well. A reputable agency alleviates risk (from booking fraud, miscommunications, schedule changes) and helps ensure you’re getting what you expect.

Still wavering on utilizing SmartCruiser’s free services?

If you want more than just an itinerary—if you want adventure, intimacy, culture, luxury, and destinations that most ships can’t reach—Windstar delivers. But pairing that with SmartCruiser means your investment stretches further, the trip starts (and ends) more smoothly, and you get perks that make the difference between good and great.

So whether you’re planning a Mediterranean escape, a South Pacific dream, or a rugged voyage in Iceland or the Caribbean—do the work to compare. Look into the access, the service, the extras. And if you work with SmartCruiser, you’re likely to get more than you think: more value, more experiences, more memories.